Before you begin

Raise the collar and fasten the shirt to the top. Adjust the bow tie to the correct neck size before you start. Stand close enough to the mirror to see the centre knot, but rely on your fingers to find the rear loop.

Step 1 of 6

1. Start uneven

The complete sequence

  1. Start uneven. Place one end about 4–5 cm (roughly 2 in) lower than the other.
  2. Cross and tuck. Bring the longer end over the shorter end and up through the neck loop.
  3. Fold the front. Fold the shorter end at its widest point to create the visible front bow.
  4. Drop the long end. Let it fall over the centre of the front bow.
  5. Push a fold through. Fold the long end back and push that folded edge through the small loop behind the front bow.
  6. Shape the bow. Pull on opposite folded loops, then opposite loose ends, alternating until the knot is secure.

What “finished” looks like

The centre should sit on the shirt placket, the wings should be reasonably level, and the loose ends should remain hidden behind the loops. Small differences in size are normal. Stop tightening before the fabric is crushed.

Practice tip: Tie the bow around your thigh first. The sequence is identical, but the larger working area makes the rear loop easy to see.